After the Golden Globes, I saw sporadic criticism of the movie, La La Land from people who didn’t think the actors merited the award.
“They couldn’t sing or dance well.”
“The story was unrealistic.”
“LA isn’t like that.”
“The ending was hokey.”
Blah blah blah.
Well, I saw the film and I loved it. Love love loved it. It didn’t surprise me that people criticized the things I loved it for: its imperfections.
In our perfect, airbrushed world, expectations of perfection are high. If you dance on film you must be A DANCER. If you sing, you must be A SINGER. If you take your clothes off, you must have A PERFECT BODY. If you’re an actress you must HAVE NO WRINKLES. HAVE BIG BOOBS. HAVE A BIG ASS…
and on and on and on.
Enough already.
I loved the film because of its imperfections, not in spite of them.
I loved the actors because they seemed like real people. Not one fu ck was given by me that the weren’t the best dancers or the best singers. That was endearing to me.
I thought the opening dance number done on a freeway in ONE TAKE was AMAZING. And the tunes were GREAT.
I didn’t see the hokey ending coming BUT I LOVED IT. Because who hasn’t felt those emotions at one time or another in our loves. (Not going to spoil it for you by saying more.)
And I’m not going to let the silly opinions of people who expect flawless perfection to spoil my enjoyment of this movie, which I would see again. And I never like to see films again.
If you haven’t seen it, go. It’s a fantasy. It’s wonderful.
I’m not sure why I haven’t been inclined to see this movie but now you have me intrigued. Thanks for the positive review. We need more movies where life isn’t perfect because at the end of the day – life isn’t perfect.
That was exactly my thinking, too! I read this whole post feeling like, “Well, I didn’t care before, but now I have GOT to see this.” I could totally dig a movie that embraces imperfection – not because it’s mediocre, but because it’s more real.
I haven’t seen this film (or even read anything about it), but I tend to be the same – I like things that are quirky but imperfect. I don’t enjoy perfectly polished anywhere near as much. Like you, I like the realism and the flaws.
I loved this movie, too, and cried so much at the end, thinking of lost opportunities and how life can be altered in a blink. I want to see it again – I suspect I’d see more/different things the second time around!
I’ve heard of the film but not seen it yet. I’m intrigued and as long as I’m entertained from start to finish, perfection or non perfection doesn’t even register on my radar. My friends have seen the film and they’ve rated it! ????
I haven’t seen it but it sounds like fun. Fun doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s OK to be human and not be perfect! (just as long as the singers aren’t off key because that kind of imperfection is more than I can handle!!)
I’m with you Carol. I loved it so much that I went and saw it again. And then downloaded the soundtrack on my phone and constantly play bits of it during my group fitness classes. I think the reason I loved it so much was because, in addition to its imperfections, is just made me feel so happy. Hard to say that about anything else at the theatre these days…
I enjoyed the film for much the same reason as you. I wouldn’t say it was the best film of the year, though. It was fun to watch and I related to it being an actor in LA. There were so many good ones. I loved Hidden Figures, Lion, and Hacksaw Ridge. They were all amazing and all true stories. However, it was fun watching a musical with all the craziness going on right now.
I definitely want to see it when it hits redbox. My grandma who isn’t a big movie goer called me up and told me that I have to watch it. That it was terrific. So that’s the push that I need 🙂
These days people are ready to judge and criticize everything they see. I’m getting so tired of it, really. Where has the good vibes gone! I think the movie is fantastic and I love that they picked Emma and Ryan. Why not!
I haven’t watched the movie but heard very great things about it. I’ve been told in the past not to watch a certain movie because it sucked and then it turned out I loved it.
I haven’t seen it yet but I never let the awards determine my opinion of a movie. I’ve often enjoyed a movie that others criticism or disliked a movie than others raved over.
After a long time I saw a good musical. Yes, every film has its imperfection, but this was Emma stone’s best work till date. The ending was more realistic. And yes, city of stars was a treat to my ears
I love them two! But somehow this movie doesn’t draw me in… I guess I just don’t like dancing and singing in my movies, lol! xoxo and yes, sometimes the imperfections are the beauty of it all
You cannot please everybody. Public figure and celebrities are well aware of this. Personally, who cares. They’re still human so allow them to commit mistakes.
People have this odd need to push their sense of superiority all over others. Be it movie taste or whatever. F em. You do you.
Katja xxx http://www.katnapped.com
After reading your post and the comments that followed I’m now quite interested in seeing this movie. I didn’t even know what it was about but I had heard opinions on both sides.
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I’m not sure why I haven’t been inclined to see this movie but now you have me intrigued. Thanks for the positive review. We need more movies where life isn’t perfect because at the end of the day – life isn’t perfect.
No. It isn’t. But this is a sweet movie even if a bit sad at the end. Just a bit.
That was exactly my thinking, too! I read this whole post feeling like, “Well, I didn’t care before, but now I have GOT to see this.” I could totally dig a movie that embraces imperfection – not because it’s mediocre, but because it’s more real.
I haven’t seen this film (or even read anything about it), but I tend to be the same – I like things that are quirky but imperfect. I don’t enjoy perfectly polished anywhere near as much. Like you, I like the realism and the flaws.
Right. I shall go and see a film in English, assuming it ever comes to this part of the world, because I rather tend to celebrate imperfections too.
I loved this movie, too, and cried so much at the end, thinking of lost opportunities and how life can be altered in a blink. I want to see it again – I suspect I’d see more/different things the second time around!
I’ve heard of the film but not seen it yet. I’m intrigued and as long as I’m entertained from start to finish, perfection or non perfection doesn’t even register on my radar. My friends have seen the film and they’ve rated it! ????
I can’t wait to see it. I agree about imperfections in general. Life is in the differences and the wrinkles.
You’re so right! I love imperfections in movies, makes them more real and more relatable. 🙂
I haven’t seen it but it sounds like fun. Fun doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s OK to be human and not be perfect! (just as long as the singers aren’t off key because that kind of imperfection is more than I can handle!!)
I’m with you Carol. I loved it so much that I went and saw it again. And then downloaded the soundtrack on my phone and constantly play bits of it during my group fitness classes. I think the reason I loved it so much was because, in addition to its imperfections, is just made me feel so happy. Hard to say that about anything else at the theatre these days…
I’ve heard great things but your review is so positive and so endearing that I think I’ll have to give the film a spin 🙂
I have not seen the movie yet, but I do want to. Your review makes me want to see it more, thanks!
Happy Valentines Day! I haven’t seen it yet. I’m just not into musicals.
Loved this movie too. It made me happy, which I’m all about these days.
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I want to. It looks like something I’d enjoy.
I enjoyed the film for much the same reason as you. I wouldn’t say it was the best film of the year, though. It was fun to watch and I related to it being an actor in LA. There were so many good ones. I loved Hidden Figures, Lion, and Hacksaw Ridge. They were all amazing and all true stories. However, it was fun watching a musical with all the craziness going on right now.
I definitely want to see it when it hits redbox. My grandma who isn’t a big movie goer called me up and told me that I have to watch it. That it was terrific. So that’s the push that I need 🙂
Haven’t seen it, Carol, but after reading this I think I’ll love it!
These days people are ready to judge and criticize everything they see. I’m getting so tired of it, really. Where has the good vibes gone! I think the movie is fantastic and I love that they picked Emma and Ryan. Why not!
I love movies like this, Old Hollywood style! Looks like fun and your review was great! Guess the awards shows can’t all be wrong!
I haven’t watched the movie but heard very great things about it. I’ve been told in the past not to watch a certain movie because it sucked and then it turned out I loved it.
I haven’t seen it yet but I never let the awards determine my opinion of a movie. I’ve often enjoyed a movie that others criticism or disliked a movie than others raved over.
i have to see this movie! base on your review it looks like a very interesting movie! im sure im gonna enjoy this !
I haven’t seen it…now I’m really curious!Seems to be a nice film!
After a long time I saw a good musical. Yes, every film has its imperfection, but this was Emma stone’s best work till date. The ending was more realistic. And yes, city of stars was a treat to my ears
I don’t know how I haven’t heard of this movie yet. I’m going to check it out, I like movies with real people who look and act like real people.
I dl the movie a few days ago just before the awards show. I like musicals, but I need to being the right mood to watch. So I have it for a rainy day.
I love them two! But somehow this movie doesn’t draw me in… I guess I just don’t like dancing and singing in my movies, lol! xoxo and yes, sometimes the imperfections are the beauty of it all
You cannot please everybody. Public figure and celebrities are well aware of this. Personally, who cares. They’re still human so allow them to commit mistakes.
People have this odd need to push their sense of superiority all over others. Be it movie taste or whatever. F em. You do you.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
After reading your post and the comments that followed I’m now quite interested in seeing this movie. I didn’t even know what it was about but I had heard opinions on both sides.
I was going to take you to see it! Miss Madison is dying to see this movie, I’m avoiding it like the plague!
I haven’t seen this movie but you peaked my interest I am going to check it out. Thanks for your honest review on it !
I really need to go see this movie!! Especially after your honest review 🙂
http://www.lovekimber.com/
Can’t wait to watch the movie. Haven’t had the time to see it yet. But soon 🙂